How maca has changed my life!
I was first introduced to maca by a good friend of mine (he’s always trying every new supplement on the market). I was a bit skeptical at first, I mean the benefits were too good to be true but he gloated about how great he felt since taking maca and how it transformed his life. He talks about it so much I started calling him the maca man and making references to his maca powers. so I did some research and ordered my first batch of maca to try for myself. I started off slow, taking only ½ a tspn and mixing it into my daily smoothie. Since starting maca I have now increased to 1 tspn a few times daily. I was pleasantly surprised at how well my body reacted to the maca. I’m always very cautious, as someone who has adrenal fatigue and an overactive nervous system I did not want the side effects that caffeine would have given me but maca has no caffeine and no side effects. It’s a natural energy boost with no crash. Maca was the answer I needed to keep up with my busy lifestyle as a mom, blogger, and superhero. Honestly, I feel like maca gives me the energy I need to lead a fit healthy lifestyle. I would not be able to fit everything I needed to do into one day without the help of this amazing supplement. I started raving about it so much I guess you can call me the maca women now 🙂
So what is Maca?
Maca, in scientific terms known as lepidium meyenii is a superfood that grows high in the Andes mountains of peru. It has been used as a food and for medicinal purposes by the natives of South America for many many years. It is classified as a plant or root and is part of the cruciferous vegetable group. Cruciferous vegetable are known for their anti-cancer causing properties and contain phytochemicals and nutrients that help aide the body in detoxification. This class of foods contains things like kale, broccoli, and cabbage which are some of the healthiest foods in the world.
Maca is well known for its natural energy boost and unlike caffeine has no side effects or caffeine crash. It is also known as an aphrodisiac that stimulates hormone production and regulation. It can be used to increase sexual function, memory, fertility, and focus. Those who consume maca describe a feeling of well being or the feeling of being alive.
Nutrition Benefits
Maca at a glance
Maca is a nutrient dense superfood! This root vegetable really packs a punch and here’s why…….
Maca contains the following Vitamins and Minerals
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Sulphur
- Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Sodium
- Iron
- Zinc
Maca is also loaded with amino acids including 8 essential amino acids and 20 free form fatty acids
4 Amazing Health benefits of Maca
Stress reliever-Maca is described as an adaptogen which is a group or class of plants and herbs that help the body adapt to stress. These types of plants help balance, restore, and heal the body from years of stress, neglect, and malnutrition. Adaptogens can also balance mood, support the immune system, relieve stress, and increase physical endurance. I have personally used the adaptogenic benefits of maca to help combat adrenal fatigue which is the effect of long term stress on the body. I’ll talk about my experience with maca at the end of this post.
Sexual Health- Multiple studies on men and women have shown an improvement in fertility and an increase in stamina and sexual function due to the use of maca. In women Maca can be used to combat menopause as it regulates and stimulates the proper production of hormones. It is known to have an effect on estrogen levels which can sometimes become too high or too low causing pms, pcos, and low fertility. In males maca supports healthy testosterone levels. It does not contain testosterone but simply enhances the production naturally. Although research has not yet proven this to be true I know from personal experience and the experience of a male friend that it does indeed improve sexual desire, performance, and energy. The great thing about maca is that it is not gender specific and works naturally to combat any problem areas for both men and women. Fertility has been increased on both ends with a higher production of sperm count in males and an increase in mature eggs in females.
Energy- Maca is known to have a very positive effect on energy, stamina, and mood. As someone who has suffered from anxiety and can no longer have caffeine due to raised cortisol levels, maca has been a blessing! It does not offer the same caffeine like jitters that coffee produces and has no crash and burn effect. Research is still being done on exactly how maca produces this internal energy but some speculate it’s due to the control of blood sugar levels and the effect maca has on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. The important thing about maca is it is natural, it contains no caffeine or processed sugar and works to stabilize and maintain energy throughout your body.
Cognitive Function-Over time cognitive function becomes impaired. We know as we age our bodies are more susceptible to disease and creating vitality is key. We all have the forgetful grandparent or start to become a little more absent minded ourselves however the brain like any other organ within the body is best when it is used and exercised. Think of it this way, in order to support your heart and make it stronger you need to aide it with proper nutrition and cardiovascular exercise. The same goes for your brain, you must exercise it and feed it right. Adding supplements to your diet that address cognitive function is key. Maca helps to support healthy mitochondria. These mitochondria are responsible for brain cell production and maintenance. Many diseases that affect the brain occur due to a decrease in mitochondrial activity. These diseases include things like parkinson's and alzheimer's. Research has shown that the use of maca can help to effectively maintain cognitive function leading to a more vibrant life in old age.
Where do I buy maca?
I use a few different varieties of maca and highly recommend you try them all to see what works best for you.
Anthony's is a very reputable brand that gives you the best bang for your buck. You get twice the amount of maca at the same price of some competitors. you can also find it on amazon here.
The next brand of Maca powder I use is Gaia Herbs. This one is not a blend and is an organic maca powder only, that I add to my smoothies. It is gluten free, certified Organic, Non GMO, and Vegetarian. Gaia maca is steam and pressure extracted using a process known as gelatinization, which removes the starch and provides maca which is concentrated and easily digested. it also contains another powerful adaptogen Rhodiola. You can Purchase Gaia’s Organic Maca Here
Gaia Herbs Maca Powder, 8-Ounce
I add maca to my smoothie in the am am for a little pick me up. I like these two brands I have tried many even trader joes brand maca. None of them pack the same punch as these 2. Whichever you choose rest assured you are getting the best quality product from either or. If you chose not to purchase either of the products I have listed just be sure to do your research as not all products are made the same. You want to be sure you are getting 100% Maca with no added fillers and that it is organic and gelatinized so you reap the maximum benefits.
If you are someone that prefers to take a supplement everyday instead I have also tried this brand in supplement form. You receive great value in this product as it is only $17.00 for 150 vegan capsules. The capsules are also gluten free and contain no soy, preservatives, fillers, or gloss. This mama blend contains all 3 varieties of the mace root so you are sure to receive all the benefits and potency in each capsule. The company all follows good manufacturing practices in a fad registered facility. If you want to check them out you can find them here.